Newly Created Chadwick Award Goes to Longtime Public Servant

Jerry Woolley, court assistance officer for Idaho’s Fifth Judicial District, has received the first Daniel G. Chadwick Award for her dedication to public service.

Court operations in Idaho are a partnership between the state Judicial Branch and local county governments. Counties employ staff including court clerks and court assistance officers and maintain local court facilities, while the state of Idaho employs judges, court administration and provides the technology the courts use to operate.

Created by the Idaho Supreme Court, this new award is named in honor of Daniel Chadwick, the longtime executive director of the Idaho Association of Counties who passed away last year. The award recognizes county employees who in their work for the courts show exemplary dedication and service to both groups’ shared mission – a tribute to Chadwick, who focused significantly during his life on the court and county partnership.

The five justices of the Supreme Court select each recipient themselves – unique among other awards for court service in Idaho.

Woolley has been involved with Idaho’s courts for 44 years now, including as a clerk, records manager and jury commissioner. For the past 25 years she has helped self-represented litigants across south-central Idaho access court services and better understand how the judicial system works. Throughout her career she has built a reputation as a source of clarity for the public and court personnel alike.

“I come to work because I love my community and I love my people. Knowing I’ve made a difference to not just those I help, but also the court system itself is something that I will cherish,” Woolley said.

“This award celebrates the invaluable contributions of those who work tirelessly behind the scenes, providing essential support to the courts and fostering a collaborative spirit between the judiciary and Idaho’s counties,” Chief Justice G. Richard Bevan said. “Jerry Woolley has been essential to our courts for decades now. The people of south-central Idaho are better off for her service."